woodshed willie

Not my favorite venue and things didn't get off on a great footing, what with getting gouged for a third rate meal and booze, but at least it gets you a decent seat. The support act's sound was so muddy that I couldn't even make out her name never mind her lyrics, which is a poor state of affairs for a singer/songwriter. Maybe it was something to do with the PC that she played and sang through. Her guitar playing and harmonising with loops was impressive but ultimately didn't make up for the poor sound.

Michelle Shocked arrived on stage with normal fanfare, strummed a chord and....... nothing. A bit of fiddling with connections, still nothing, she said "thank you and goodnight" and walked off. Cords were replaced and after about 10 minutes the show got on the way.

Fortunately she has the personality and showpersonship to overcome such fuck-ups and proceeded to give a truly fabulous performance. Admittedly most of the audience were true believers (in more that one sense)and she gave us a blend of the new with tracks off her 'divorce album' and tex-mex album, and everything the audience wanted from earlier material. Not afraid of speaking her mind, in this current climate she could expect a visit from immigration for encouraging the audience to do likewise.